Adjusting the time

[mocoys]

I have two old watches that I have cleaned and oiled. The problem is that I can not get them to keep the correct time. One of them would gain about three minutes in an eight hour period on day one, so I slowed it down. On day two it only gained about three seconds per hour, this I felt was progress, and I gave the screw one full turn to slow it down just a little more. On day three it gained around fifteen seconds per hour. Is this a clue that I did something wrong when I cleaned them? They both act about the same. I am very new at this I have been messing around with this hobby just over a year, I started playing with an old Elgin movement that I bought on E-Bay and then got the guts to move on to grandpas old pocket watch, which is the one I have described above. It is a 21 jewel, lever set, 16 size 1919, Burlington. Any information on what I might be doing wrong would be appreciated. Thank You

[mocoys]

I have two old watches that I have cleaned and oiled. The problem is that I can not get them to keep the correct time. One of them would gain about three minutes in an eight hour period on day one, so I slowed it down. On day two it only gained about three seconds per hour, this I felt was progress, and I gave the screw one full turn to slow it down just a little more. On day three it gained around fifteen seconds per hour. Is this a clue that I did something wrong when I cleaned them? They both act about the same. I am very new at this I have been messing around with this hobby just over a year, I started playing with an old Elgin movement that I bought on E-Bay and then got the guts to move on to grandpas old pocket watch, which is the one I have described above. It is a 21 jewel, lever set, 16 size 1919, Burlington. Any information on what I might be doing wrong would be appreciated. Thank You

[Don Dahlberg]

The first thing I am going to ask you is, where are the watches as you time them? Are they perhaps hanging off a hook where they are allowed to swing? Are they on a smooth surface, again where the movement can rock as it runs? In such a situation, the watch will run fast by as much as three minutes per day.

Did you get the hairspring dry? Are all the rings of the hairspring separated or are some clinging together. Anything that effectively shortens the hairspring or anything that hinders the motion of the balance (like not porperly oiling a balance jewel) will cause the watch to run fast. In my case I have to check for cat hairs. I love my watches and I love my cats, but it is hard to keep them apart.

If you are timing the watch so that it cannot move and there is nothing obvious restricting the motion of the balance, then the next step would be to time the movement dial up and dial down and get back to us with the results.

Don

[mocoys]

Thank You Don. I will give that a try. I was carrying the watch in my pocket. I felt that this would be the most accurate method since this how the watch will be in use.

Thanks Again
Steve

[Don Dahlberg]

Steve,

Having the watch in your pocket shows you have a problem that I cannot blame on a swinging watch. Now you need to time it dial up and then dial down on a timing machine or for 24 hours each. The watch movement should be in a movement holder, or if in the case, make sure the case is sitting on a high friction surface, like a towel. If it fails the dial up/down test, I can give you a list of possible sources. If it passes, we shall go on to the other positions.

Don

[mocoys]

Dear Don;
I did the dial up/down test and it gained about three mins. in twelve hours. I try to make an adjustment and go again.

Thank You
Steve

[doug sinclair]

Steve,

Just because a watch runs, it is not necessarily in condition to keep time. Even if it has been cleaned. Cleaning is only part of the job. There are usually numerous adjustments necessary that DO NOT involve the regulator that are necessary before you will be able to regulate it. Remember: Repair, Rate, Regulate. Omit any part of it and you'll be lucky to be able to get the watch to keep time.

Repairing means doing everything necessary to COMPLETELY repair the watch. Rating it involves making certain that its rate is constant in all positions, and as part of the repair, adjusting until the performance is even. This is RATING the watch. Only after this has been thoroughly done can you REGULATE.